So much to say, so little time...
In the psalms we read last week, we read the words: Fortess, Rock, Shield, Vindicate, Hear me several times. When something is written in the Word more than once, I feel we need to pause on it.
In today's world we hear people try to find vindication through many means but rarely through the Lord. We hear people air dirty laundry on talk shows in an attempt to sway people to their side.
David knew to ask the Lord for vindication and so should we. Even if we never see vindication here on earth, it is He Who vindicates us, He knows the truth.
David experienced all kinds of situations in His life...and he knew Who to address for help. I pray I seek the Lord 1st always and not as plan B.
I leave you with these words:
Psalm 35
Of David.
1 Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me.
2 Take up shield and buckler;
arise and come to my aid.
3 Brandish spear and javelin [a]
against those who pursue me.
Say to my soul,
"I am your salvation."
4 May those who seek my life
be disgraced and put to shame;
may those who plot my ruin
be turned back in dismay.
5 May they be like chaff before the wind,
with the angel of the LORD driving them away;
6 may their path be dark and slippery,
with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
7 Since they hid their net for me without cause
and without cause dug a pit for me,
8 may ruin overtake them by surprise—
may the net they hid entangle them,
may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
9 Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD
and delight in his salvation.
10 My whole being will exclaim,
"Who is like you, O LORD ?
You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,
the poor and needy from those who rob them."
11 Ruthless witnesses come forward;
they question me on things I know nothing about.
12 They repay me evil for good
and leave my soul forlorn.
13 Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth
and humbled myself with fasting.
When my prayers returned to me unanswered,
14 I went about mourning
as though for my friend or brother.
I bowed my head in grief
as though weeping for my mother.
15 But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee;
attackers gathered against me when I was unaware.
They slandered me without ceasing.
16 Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked [b] ;
they gnashed their teeth at me.
17 O Lord, how long will you look on?
Rescue my life from their ravages,
my precious life from these lions.
18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly;
among throngs of people I will praise you.
19 Let not those gloat over me
who are my enemies without cause;
let not those who hate me without reason
maliciously wink the eye.
20 They do not speak peaceably,
but devise false accusations
against those who live quietly in the land.
21 They gape at me and say, "Aha! Aha!
With our own eyes we have seen it."
22 O LORD, you have seen this; be not silent.
Do not be far from me, O Lord.
23 Awake, and rise to my defense!
Contend for me, my God and Lord.
24 Vindicate me in your righteousness, O LORD my God;
do not let them gloat over me.
25 Do not let them think, "Aha, just what we wanted!"
or say, "We have swallowed him up."
26 May all who gloat over my distress
be put to shame and confusion;
may all who exalt themselves over me
be clothed with shame and disgrace.
27 May those who delight in my vindication
shout for joy and gladness;
may they always say, "The LORD be exalted,
who delights in the well-being of his servant."
28 My tongue will speak of your righteousness
and of your praises all day long.
Monday, May 11, 2009
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Amen Annette that we seek the Lord 1st always and not as plan B. It is a lesson I, at times, do forget.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's because vindication doesn't seem too saintly, but it is such a comfort to know our God is a just God, and He will defend us. Like 'Nise, if it were only my first thought when wronged. Beautiful post rich in a lesson that has fresh meaning for me. Love, Annette
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Loved your insights! So much wonderful stuff in the Psalms!
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Michelle
too true. I keep thinking that my hope comes from the LORD but I forget that justice comes from Him as well. Enjoy the day!
ReplyDelete